OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
EQUIPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND WIRING
STANDARDS
1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2 GENERAL STANDARDS ............................................................................................................................................... 2
3 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................................... 3
4 ENTRANCE FACILITIES: ............................................................................................................................................... 4
5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOMS ............................................................................................................................... 5
5.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................................................5
5.2 MAIN EQUIPMENT ROOM (MDF) .......................................................................................................................................6
5.3 COMMUNICATIONS ROOMS (IDF OR RISER ROOMS)...............................................................................................................9
5.4 TERMINAL SPACE/SATELLITE ROOMS .................................................................................................................................10
5.5 ELECTRICAL POWER REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................................12
5.6 AIR CONDITIONING REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................................................13
6 BONDING AND GROUNDING ................................................................................................................................... 13
6.1 BUSBARS ......................................................................................................................................................................13
6.2 TELECOMMUNICATIONS BONDING BACKBONE .....................................................................................................................14
6.3 CABLES ........................................................................................................................................................................15
6.4 RACK GROUNDING .........................................................................................................................................................15
6.5 PATHWAY GROUNDING ...................................................................................................................................................15
6.6 EQUIPMENT GROUNDING ................................................................................................................................................15
6.7 ELECTRICAL SERVICE .......................................................................................................................................................16
6.8 COMPRESSION FITTINGS ..................................................................................................................................................16
6.9 TESTING AND DOCUMENTATION ........................................................................................................................................16
7 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE RISER FACILITIES .......................................................................................................... 16
7.1 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................................................................16
7.2 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE COPPER...................................................................................................................................17
7.2.1 Cabling ...............................................................................................................................................................17
7.2.2 Terminations ......................................................................................................................................................17
7.3 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE FIBER OPTIC .............................................................................................................................18
7.3.1 Cabling ...............................................................................................................................................................18
7.3.2 Terminations ......................................................................................................................................................18
7.3.3 Fiber-Optic Enclosures........................................................................................................................................19
7.4 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE PATHWAYS ..............................................................................................................................19
8 COMMUNICATIONS/TERMINAL ROOM TERMINATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................. 20
8.1 WALL TERMINATION OF COPPER WIRING ...........................................................................................................................20
8.2 EQUIPMENT RACKS ........................................................................................................................................................21
8.3 PATCH PANELS ..............................................................................................................................................................22
8.4 HORIZONTAL MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................................22
9 RACEWAY/TRAY SYSTEMS ....................................................................................................................................... 23
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9.1 J-HOOKS ......................................................................................................................................................................25
10 HORIZONTAL WIRING FACILITIES ........................................................................................................................... 25
10.1 OUTLETS ....................................................................................................................................................................26
10.2 HORIZONTAL CONDUIT..................................................................................................................................................27
10.3 HORIZONTAL WIRING ...................................................................................................................................................28
10.3.1 Horizontal Copper Wire....................................................................................................................................28
10.3.2 Horizontal Fiber Optic Wire..............................................................................................................................29
10.3.3 Small Form/Modular Style Fiber Standards .....................................................................................................30
10.4 JACKS ........................................................................................................................................................................31
11 TESTING ................................................................................................................................................................. 32
11.1 CATEGORY 5E WIRING ..................................................................................................................................................32
11.2 CATEGORY 6 WIRING....................................................................................................................................................32
11.3 FIBER OPTIC CABLE TO OUTLET .......................................................................................................................................33
11.4 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE CABLE TESTING.......................................................................................................................34
12 OIT OUTLET LABELING SCHEME ............................................................................................................................. 35
13 PRIVATE LOCAL AREA NETWORKS ......................................................................................................................... 36
14 PRODUCTS INSTALLED THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY THESE STANDARDS ............................................................... 37
15 DEFINITIONS OF ABBREVIATIONS CONTAINED IN THESE STANDARDS ................................................................... 37
1 Introduction
The Office of Information Technology is responsible for providing voice, data, and video
services for the University of Minnesota. Every effort is being made to keep the rates for these
services as low as possible, while still providing service and maintenance in a timely manner.
OIT is constantly evaluating emerging technologies and equipment so that we can continue to
offer the most reliable, up to date, and cost effective services.
It is essential to design the telecommunications systems to meet present and future voice and
data communication needs. Horizontal and vertical wiring and the pathways and
communication rooms should be considered an integral part of the building infrastructure and
therefore capable of future growth as new technology and customer needs change.
Refer to the OIT Web page at www1.umn.edu/nts/wiring3.shtml for the most recent revision of
these standards. The standards herein apply to the technologies in use at the time of the latest
update to these standards. The implementation of newer technologies shall require adherence to
the standards written at the time of that implementation.
2 General Standards
Introduction
Voice and data projects that are released for bid should be bid separately from and not included
with security, audiovisual, building control systems, or other equipment or materials that are
not directly associated with the independent high speed data or voice communications system.
2
Telecommunications systems include vertical and horizontal copper and fiber optic wiring and
associated termination hardware on both ends. The system includes pathways and
conduits; equipment racks; frames; wire management systems; communication rooms; and the
electrical, mechanical, and environmental equipment required to support them.
The space and facilities in this specification are designed to meet the telecommunications
requirements (voice and data networking) for university buildings only. These specifications
are intended to allow OIT to meet the telecommunications requirements of the university over
the lifetime of the buildings. It is essential that OIT shall be consulted prior to and throughout
the planning and design process to ensure that present and future voice and data service
requirements can be met.
 OIT MUST provide prior written approval for any deviations from these standards, or OIT
will not assume responsibility to upgrade the facility to performance expectations. Where
ambiguity or questions arise to specific details not mentioned in these standards,
appropriate TIA/EIA, NEC, and BICSI standards shall apply.
 All applicable building codes must be strictly adhered to in regards to telecommunications
services. OIT cannot authorize variations to any building codes.
 Construction specifications are a main ingredient of an Information Technology system.
Information Technology systems shall adhere to these specifications in order to be
functional in a wide variety of communications applications. This document does not
allow, or condone, the avoidance of following any of the Laws, Standards, or Procedures of
any, but not limited to the following:
o
o
o
o
o
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Uniform Building Code (UBC)
Uniform Fire Code (UFC)
Minnesota State Low Voltage Laws
Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI)
 Certification
A BICSI-certified Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) shall design,
engineer, sign off on all projects, and provide oversight during the project. Technicians and
installers shall be certified by the manufacturer of all equipment that they will be installing
or maintaining.
3 Special Requirements
Introduction
The OIT Wiring Standards publication is intended to address standard University installation
practices, with safety and performance being the most important factors. While these standards
are carefully monitored to ensure that the hardware and practices are technologically current, it
is possible that some applications may require special consideration. University of Minnesota
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buildings frequently contain special purpose facilities and equipment with unique
telecommunications requirements. Special telecommunications requirements may require
deviation from this specification. OIT needs to be notified of these special requirements as
early in the design process as possible.
 The following is a short (but not all-inclusive) list of facilities and equipment that
commonly have special telecommunications requirements:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Data centers or computer rooms
Computer labs or classrooms
Video conferencing rooms
Video Equipment
Laboratories
Medical imaging equipment
Scientific Equipment
Public telephones
Internet kiosks
Wireless networking
 Installation designs and practices not specifically identified as standard in this appendix will
require appropriate OIT approval before connection to the campus voice or data network.
To that end, any department requesting a non-standard installation of cabling infrastructure,
voice/data jacks, or other items not specified in these standards should submit a written
explanation of the requested variance to an OIT project coordinator for review.
4 Entrance Facilities:
Introduction
The entrance facility is the location where the pathways for communications services penetrate
the building for connections to the voice and data systems within the building. The entrance
facilities are generally 4" rigid steel conduit that extend from the perimeter of the building to
the telecommunications main equipment room (MDF).
 OIT shall designate the shortest practical route for the communications cable to connect
from the building to the point of connection with the university telephone and network
cabling systems. Conduit shall be installed within the facility from the point of entry to the
telecommunications main equipment room.
 Diverse facilities entrances are required for all new buildings that will house voice and data
equipment that OIT or the end-user considers to be essential for university business
continuation. OIT shall be consulted prior to design to consider diverse facility entrances.
 In the event that diverse cable facility entrances are not deemed necessary, provisions shall
be made for four, 4-inch conduits for access from the university cable system to the
telecommunications main equipment room. Each of these conduits must be labeled "TELE
MDF ONLY."
4
 Entrance facilities must adhere to all BICSI requirements in Chapter 6 of the
Telecommunications Distributions Methods Manual (TDMM), (11th edition or subsequent
releases). OIT must approve of any deviations from the BICSI TDMM.
5 Telecommunications Rooms
5.1 General Requirements
Introduction
Telecommunications rooms are special-purpose rooms that house telecommunications
equipment and wiring. These rooms have specific requirements due to the nature, size,
and complexity of the equipment and wiring housed in these rooms.
There may be up to three types of telecommunications rooms within a building, each
supporting critical functions as part of the building wiring and telecommunications
systems. In general, each room must be large enough to accommodate the wiring and
equipment that will be located within it, plus additional space for growth over the
lifetime of the building. The three types of rooms are:
o Main equipment room/Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
o Communications rooms/Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF or riser
rooms)
o Terminal space/satellite rooms
The following standards apply to all three types of telecommunications rooms:

PROHIBITED: Locating other non-OIT resources in telecommunications rooms.

PROHIBITED: Using telecommunications rooms as a route for other facilities to
pass through.

PROHIBITED: Using boiler rooms, air exchange rooms, janitorial closets,
electrical distribution closets, or areas with water heaters and wet sinks for
communications. It is essential that telecommunication rooms be dedicated solely
to telecommunications.

PROHIBITED: Placing voice or data rooms in or near areas of high
electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). Both
adversely affect the system performance and the reliability of electronic equipment.

Communications rooms shall be located in common building areas that are readily
accessible.

Telecommunications rooms should be centrally located in the building to minimize
the distance of all cable runs.
5

Rooms must be spaced so that no horizontal run exceeds 90 meters.

All main, communications, and terminal/satellite rooms shall have a ground buss
and meet all requirements of J-STD-607 Commercial Building Grounding and
Bonding Requirements, TIA/EIA-942, NEC Article 800 and Article 250 and
Chapter 10 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent releases). Refer to
Section 6 of this appendix for Bonding and Grounding Requirements.

Fire suppression systems for all of these rooms shall be two-stage water systems;
no Halon or gas systems shall be used. Pipes must be insulated to prevent water
condensation from forming and possibly damaging telecommunications equipment.
Fire suppression system pipes shall not be installed directly over equipment, but
rather placed near the walls with the manifold pipes in ceiling corners.

All penetrations into fire walls, conduits, and sleeves through floors and cable trays
that pass through a fire-rated wall must be properly fire-stopped in accordance with
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ANSI/NFPA-70 NEC, Article
300-21, TIA-569 and Chapter 7 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent
releases). The manufacturer's recommended installation practices must be followed.
Each installation of fire-stopping material must only be used in applications as
specified by the fire-stop manufacturer. When installing additional cabling/wiring,
the fire stop system must be reevaluated, and a new firestop system must be
installed to restore the firewall integrity with the appropriate UL-classified system.
Only use of UL-classified firestop systems is acceptable.

All telecommunications rooms require overhead lighting with a minimum intensity
of 50 foot-candles measured at 1 meter from the floor, with a convenience switch at
room entry.

All walls must be covered with 4-foot by 8-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick, unpainted,
fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard, mounted with the smooth
side out from the floor to a minimum height of 8 feet.

Electrical outlets shall be placed above the top edge of the plywood backboard and
spaced every 6 feet.

Working clearances around electrical equipment shall adhere to NEC Section 11016.
5.2 Main Equipment Room (MDF)
Introduction
The main equipment room is the main room in a building into which all outside facilities
are routed and terminate. This room serves as the primary telecommunications room,
and may house the PBX equipment and/or backbone network-related electronic
equipment. All communications rooms are then fed from the main equipment room.
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
Main equipment facilities shall be installed in a separate and secure room. The
main equipment room shall serve as the primary copper and fiber-optic cable
distribution center for the building. All voice and data distribution shall emanate
from this room.

PROHIBITED: Installing false ceilings in main equipment rooms.

The size and location of this area shall be determined in feet with a minimum room
size of 400 square feet and no dimension smaller than 20 feet. The minimum
ceiling height shall be 8 feet 6 inches. Clearance shall be specified by NEC section
110-16. For additional information on room area based on useable building floor
area, refer to Chapter 6 of BICSI TDMM, 2000 (11th edition or subsequent
releases), and consult with OIT during the design phase.

Main equipment rooms require overhead lighting with a minimum intensity of 50
foot-candles measured at 1 meter from the floor, with a convenience switch at room
entry.

The room number shall be designated on the door or outside wall.

The door of the main equipment room shall be a minimum of 3-feet wide and 6 feet
8 inches high. It shall be equipped with OIT U-Card access and a Best® core
lockset that is keyed per NTS specifications.

Main equipment rooms shall be free from high ambient temperature, excessive
humidity, possible dripping pipes, dirt, and flooding. The main equipment room
must be well ventilated and environmentally controlled 24 hours a day, seven days
per week. The main equipment room must also maintain a positive pressure with a
minimum of one complete air exchange per hour. It must maintain a heat
dissipation rating of 225 BTUs/hour per square foot and maintain a constant
temperature between 64 and 75 degrees F with a relative humidity range between
30% and 55%.

Main equipment rooms must have drainage capabilities and must be equipped with
a one-way drain, per TIA/EIA-942.

All walls shall be covered with 8-foot by 4-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick, unpainted,
fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard. It should be mounted with
the smooth side out from the floor to a minimum height of 8 feet.

Electrical outlets shall be placed above the top edge of the plywood backboard. One
120-volt AC dedicated duplex receptacle shall be provided for every 6 linear feet of
floor perimeter. No more than three receptacles shall be dedicated per branch
circuit. Installation of these receptacles shall be in consultation with OIT.
7

Working clearances around electrical equipment shall adhere to NEC Section 11016.

A Panduit NetFrame Rack™ System or prior OIT-approved equivalent shall be
used in this room to accommodate the fiber-optic cabling. Fiber optic cabinets shall
be Panduit FRME4 Series or prior OIT-approved equivalent.

A Reliant/Marconi frame system or prior OIT-approved equivalent shall be used in
this room to accommodate the copper cabling.

A Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar (TMGB) shall be provided and
attached to an approved building ground (as per NEC 250-50). Refer to Section 6
of this appendix for Bonding and Grounding Requirements.

When a main equipment room is to be used as a PBX equipment room, it must have
a minimum of two redundant air conditioners. The air conditioners cannot be
dependent on the same supporting equipment (such as a chiller, piping, motors, and
power breakers). Each air conditioner must be able to support the room on its own
and must be sized 50% larger than the BTU rating of the total installed equipment.
The unit must cycle on and off at a 50% rate.

The power feed to the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems must be
included in the building generator distribution system, and appropriate transfer
switches must be installed. If no generator is provided, emergency generator
planning must be completed. This may include OIT placing a generator on-site or
installing an emergency power coupler in a location that is accessible by OIT
portable generators. Full-circuit documentation must be provided prior to starting
up the switch room. A battery backup system located in a separate room
specifically designed for that purpose might also be required. Where there is battery
backup in rooms, they must include the required Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) containment system for sealed and spill-proof batteries.

Environmental alarms must meet state, federal, and university codes and be
interfaced to OIT card access/alarm panels. Panels would include all UPS alarms;
generator active alarms; fire, temperature, humidity, A/C unit transition switch;
floor water detection; battery damper; and door breech. Refer to Section 5.5 of this
appendix for additional information on power requirements.

Building requirements vary. It is essential that you consult with OIT prior to
finalizing building plans.
8
5.3 Communications Rooms (IDF or Riser Rooms)
Introduction
A communications room is an enclosed and secured space specifically intended for
housing telecommunications cables, termination hardware, cross-connect facilities, and
equipment for riser facilities.

Riser facilities shall be installed in a separate and secure room specifically intended
for this purpose.

Riser cables shall be distributed in one or more riser shafts enclosed in a series of
vertically aligned closets beginning in the basement and extending throughout the
height of the building. These shafts shall be aligned vertically to facilitate cable
pulling. Communications rooms are intended for exclusive use by OIT.

PROHIBITED: Installing false ceilings in communications rooms.

The minimum size for a communications room is 100 square feet, with no
dimension shorter than 8 feet. Minimum ceiling height shall be 8 feet, 6 inches.
Clearance shall be specified by NEC section 110-16. To determine proper size of
communications rooms, refer to Chapter 6 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or
subsequent releases), and consult with OIT during the design phase.

Rooms must be spaced so that no horizontal Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable exceeds 90
meters.

Communications rooms require overhead lighting with a minimum intensity of 50
foot-candles measured at 1 meter from the floor, with a convenience switch at room
entry.

The room number shall be designated on the door or outside wall.

The door on the communications room shall be 3 feet wide or wider, with a
minimum height of 6 feet, 8 inches. It shall be equipped with OIT U-Card access
and a Best® core lockset that is keyed per NTS specifications.

The communications rooms must have adequate ventilation, and be
environmentally controlled 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The rooms shall
maintain a positive pressure with a minimum of one complete air exchange per
hour, as well as maintain heat dissipation rating of 48 BTUs/hour per square foot.
The rooms also must maintain a constant temperature between 64 and 75 degrees F,
with a relative humidity between 30% and 55%.

All walls must be covered with 4-foot by 8-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick, unpainted,
fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard, mounted with the smooth
side out from the floor to a minimum height of 8 feet.
9

Electrical outlets shall be placed above the top edge of the plywood backboard. One
120-volt AC dedicated duplex receptacle shall be provided for every 6 linear feet of
floor perimeter. No more than three receptacles shall be dedicated per branch
circuit. Installation of these receptacles shall be in consultation with OIT.

Working clearances around electrical equipment shall adhere to NEC Section 11016.

A Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB) shall be provided and attached to
the TMGB in the Main Equipment room. Refer to Section 6 of this appendix for
Bonding and Grounding Requirements.

Communications rooms shall be interconnected by four 4-inch sleeves with
bushings and a UL-classified fire stop system that extend a minimum of two inches
to a maximum of three inches above the floor. The sleeves shall be for exclusive
use by OIT, and each of these sleeves must be labeled “TELE RISER ONLY.” The
sleeves shall be located at the left edge of the terminal board, as close to the wall as
possible. Sleeves shall never be placed in the center of the terminal board. If closets
cannot be aligned vertically, six conduits of 4-inch size or 4-inch by 24-inch cable
tray shall be placed between them for exclusive OIT use. All conduits and sleeves
must be labeled “TELE RISER ONLY.”

The termination for station cabling shall be labeled with the corresponding jack
number in accordance with the jack-labeling scheme as outlined in Section 12 of
this appendix.

OIT recommends that all floor penetrations be sleeved for the following reasons:
o Ease of fire-stopping
o Prevent water from leaking and spilling to lower floors
o Prevent cables being installed between floors from chafing
5.4 Terminal Space/Satellite Rooms
Introduction
Terminal space/satellite rooms are communication facility spaces that are used for riser
distribution. They are connected to a communication room and connect directly back to
the main equipment room via the IDF and riser rooms. Satellite rooms can be used to
pick up an outlying area that is greater than 90 meters away from an IDF.

Terminal spaces/satellite rooms shall be installed in a separate and secure area.
These rooms are designed exclusively for OIT use.

PROHIBITED: Installing false ceilings in terminal rooms.

The minimum size for terminal rooms shall be 80 square feet, with no dimension
shorter than 8 feet. Minimum ceiling height shall be 8 feet, 6 inches. Clearance
10
shall be specified by NEC section 110-16. To determine the proper size of a
terminal room, refer to Chapter 6 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent
releases), and consult with OIT during the design phase.

Rooms must be spaced so that no horizontal Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable exceeds 90
meters.

Satellite rooms require overhead lighting with a minimum intensity of 50 footcandles measured at 1 meter from the floor, with a convenience switch at room
entry.

The room number shall be designated on the door or outside wall.

The door for Terminal facilities shall be 3 feet wide or wider, with a minimum
height of 6 feet, 8 inches. Terminal facilities shall be equipped with access via a
Best® core lockset that is keyed per OIT specifications.

Terminal facilities must have space ventilation or air conditioning in order to
maintain recommended operating temperature and humidity levels for the
equipment. Refer to Chapter 6 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent
releases).

The terminal room must be well ventilated, and environmentally controlled for 24
hours per day, seven days per week. It must maintain a positive pressure with a
minimum of one complete air exchange per hour, and maintain a heat dissipation
rating of 60 BTUs/hour per square foot. The terminal room must maintain a
constant temperature between 64 and 75 degrees F, with a relative humidity
between 30% and 55%.

All walls must be covered with 4-foot by 8-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick, unpainted,
fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard, mounted with the smooth
side out from the floor to a minimum height of 8 feet.

Electrical outlets shall be placed above the top edge of the plywood backboard. One
120-volt AC dedicated duplex receptacle shall be provided for every 6 linear feet of
floor perimeter. No more than three receptacles shall be dedicated per branch
circuit. Installation of these receptacles shall be in consultation with OIT.

Working clearances around electrical equipment shall adhere to NEC Section 11016.

A Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB) shall be provided and attached to
the TMGB in the Main Equipment room. Refer to Section 6 of this appendix for
Bonding and Grounding Requirements.

There shall be no more than 80 meters from the center of the terminal space to the
center of the nearest communications room. Connections from the communications
11
room to the terminal facilities shall adhere to the raceway specifications. Refer to
Section 9, "Raceway/Tray Systems."

The termination for station cabling shall be labeled with the corresponding jack
number in accordance with the jack-labeling scheme as outlined in Section 12 of
this appendix.

OIT recommends that all floor penetrations be sleeved for the following reasons:
o Ease of fire-stopping
o Prevent water from leaking and spilling to lower floors
o Prevent cables being installed between floors from chaffing
5.5 Electrical Power Requirements
Power to terminal rooms shall be installed using dedicated circuits to these areas. UPS
system equipment shall be incorporated only if identified and budgeted in the project in
consultation with OIT.
Where UPS systems are required, the following criteria apply:

Space ventilation or air conditioning shall be provided to maintain the
recommended operating temperature of equipment.

The systems shall be completely isolated from the line. The neutral shall be bonded
to ground.

Voltage spikes shall have attenuation of 2,000:1 from line for lightning protection.
Surges shall be suppressed to safe levels as described by IEEE 587 A and B (guide
to surge voltages).

Common mode noise rejection shall be better than 120 dB. Transverse mode noise
rejection shall be greater than 60 dB.

The wave shape shall be sine. It shall be limited to 3% single harmonic distortion,
and 5% total harmonic distortion.

Loss of power shall be less than 2 milliseconds in transfer to the UPS and return.
The waveform shall remain in phase.

The unit shall run at full load without input power for 20 minutes. OIT shall review
this timeframe.

There shall be a method of bypassing AC so the UPS may be maintained and
repaired without loss of power to equipment. It is not necessary to condition power
in this mode.
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
The UPS shall be capable of handling a 25% overload for five minutes and a surge
overload of 50%.

There shall be a delay of more than 15 seconds before the UPS returns to normal
line conditioning mode.

The output waveform shall have less than 3% single harmonic distortion, and 5%
total harmonic distortion.
5.6 Air Conditioning Requirements
o
o
o
o
o
PBX
Core Node
Data Center
Video
Other High Concentrations of Heat-producing Electronic Equipment
6 Bonding and Grounding
Introduction
The NEC defines bonding as, “The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically
conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current
likely to be imposed.” The definition of a ground is, “A conducting connection, whether
intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth or to some
conducting body that serves in place of the earth.”
The purpose of the grounding system is to direct potentially damaging currents away from
people and sensitive network equipment by creating a low impedance path to earth ground for
electrical surges and transient voltages. This serves to minimize the detrimental effects of these
currents (which include degraded network performance and reliability, as well as increased
safety risks).
The grounding system must be intentional, visually verifiable, and adequately sized to handle
expected currents safely. The grounding system shall be designed and installed in accordance
with the National Electrical Code, articles 250 and 800, and in accordance with the BICSI
TDMM, Chapter 8 (11th edition or subsequent releases), TIA/EIA-942, and J-STD-607-A.
6.1 Busbars

Each communications room in a building shall have a grounding busbar, typically
installed in a lower corner of the plywood backboard at least 6 inches above the
finished floor, and as close as practicable to any electrical panelboard serving the
room.
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
The main equipment room or entrance facility shall house the Telecommunications
Main Grounding Busbar (TMGB), and each other equipment room shall house a
Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB).

Busbars shall be a minimum of ¼ inch thick, of electrolytic tin plated copper
construction, and predrilled to accept standard two-hole lugs. The TMGB shall be 4
inches high, a minimum of 20 inches long, and of variable length to accommodate
the expected number of lugs and allow for future growth. The TGB shall be 2
inches high, a minimum of 12 inches long, and of variable length. Currently
approved busbars are Panduit GB4 series for MDF and GB2 series for IDF.
6.2 Telecommunications Bonding Backbone

The busbars on each floor shall be bonded to the Telecommunications Bonding
Backbone (TBB). The TBB shall be routed in as straight a line as possible and be
continuous, with no splices, from the TMGB to the top floor TGB. It shall be sized
in accordance with J-STD-607-A (See Table 1). The bend radius on any necessary
bends in this cable should be greater than 8 inches.
Table 1: Sizing of the TBB
TBB Length in Linear meters
(feet)
Less than 4 (13)
4-6 (14-20)
6-8 (21-26)
8-10 (27-33)
10-13 (34-41)
13-16 (42-52)
16-20 (53-66)
Greater than 20 (66)

TBB Size (AWG)
6
4
3
2
1
1/0
2/0
3/0
The TMGB shall be bonded to an approved grounding electrode and to the
building’s main electrical ground system. This grounding electrode conductor shall
be no smaller than the TBB. Connections to the TGBs at every floor except the top
floor shall be made via copper compression H-Tap (see section 6.8) and a
conductor no smaller than the TBB. In the event that more than one TBB exists in a
building, the TGBs shall be connected at the top floor and at a minimum of every
third floor below by a Grounding Equalizer (GE), which is equal in size to the
TBB.
14
6.3 Cables

Each conductive multipair cable in a building shall be grounded at both ends via a
bond attached to the cable armor (which accepts a standard two-hole lug). The bond
shall be Electric Motion Company’s EM 2BBx bond, unless a substitute is
approved in advance by OIT.
6.4 Rack Grounding

Electrical continuity throughout each rack or cabinet is required to minimize safety
risks. The racks shall be assembled using Panduit paint-piercing grounding
washers (Part no. RGW) and antioxidant (per the recommendations of the
manufacturer). A full length, tin-plated rack grounding strip (Part no. RGS) shall be
mounted to all new racks, and an electrostatic discharge port kit (RGESD) shall be
placed on the rack (on the right hand side when facing the rack) at 48 inches above
the floor. All bonding connections to the rack shall be made with Panduit thread
forming screws (Part no. RGTS), or the threads must be cleaned of all paint or
residue (per NEC Article 250.96).

In locations with multiple racks, the rack shall be connected to the common
bonding network with a 6 AWG conductor and a copper compression HTAP. In
locations with single racks, a 6 AWG conductor to the busbar is sufficient. The
common bonding network is a 2 AWG continuous conductor placed below or
above the racks
6.5 Pathway Grounding

Any metallic component, including equipment, ladder racks, enclosures, cable
trays, etc., must be bonded to the grounding system. Provisions must be made to
bond individual segments of ladder rack and basket tray together in order to make
them electrically continuous. Any metallic conduit that carries a grounding
conductor and is greater than 3 feet long must have both ends bonded to the
conductor with a bonding jumper no longer than 12 inches, HTAPed to the
conductor on one side and to the conduit on the other.
6.6 Equipment Grounding

Although AC-powered equipment typically has a power cord that contains a ground
wire, the integrity of this path cannot be easily verified. Thus, many equipment
manufacturers require grounding above and beyond that which is specified by local
electrical codes, such as the National Electrical Code. Always follow the
grounding recommendations of the manufacturer when installing equipment.
15
6.7 Electrical Service

When an electrical panelboard is located in a telecommunications room, a 6 AWG
bonding conductor shall be run from the busbar to the electrical service ground.
When an electrical panelboard is not located in the room, a 6 AWG bonding
conductor should be run from the busbar to the nearest electrical panelboard (where
feasible).
6.8 Compression Fittings

Lugs and HTAPs must be manufactured of tin plated copper and fastened via
irreversible compression (crimped). Lugs shall have spacing to fit Panduit GB
series predrilled busbars and a window to allow for inspection of the crimp. HTAPs
shall be contained in clear covers that allow inspection of the die marks to ensure
that the proper die was used.
o Approved lugs:
 Panduit LCC or LCCX series
 Burndy YAZ series
 CPI
 Electric Motion Company CCL Series
o Approved HTAPS:
 Panduit HTWC series
 Burndy YH series (when used with clear covers)
6.9 Testing and documentation

The ground system shall be tested by connecting an inductive ground tester to the
bonding conductor between the TGB and the TBB, or to the TBB itself if it is
directly attached to the busbar. The test should also be performed on the bonding
conductor between the TMGB and the main electrical ground. These ground
readings should be recorded and provided to OIT upon completion of the work.
7 Intrabuilding Backbone Riser Facilities
7.1 Design Considerations

The intrabuilding backbone distribution system shall be designed to meet or exceed
the requirements of TIA/EIA-568-B, BICSI TDMM Chapter 5 (11th edition or
subsequent releases), the NEC, and all applicable local and national codes and
regulations.

It is recommended that the intrabuilding backbone be comprised of both copper and
optical fiber.
16

Intrabuilding backbone fiber and copper cables shall be sized to include 50 percent
spare for future use. Consult with OIT for cable sizing requirements on a per
building basis.

Intrabuilding backbone cables comprised of steel or metallic parts must be
grounded on both ends of the cable (as specified in section 6, “Bonding and
Grounding”).

Proper firestopping of all backbone pathways shall be maintained as specified in
section 5.1, “General Telecommunications Rooms Requirements.”

Intrabuilding copper and backbone cables shall be installed without exceeding the
minimum bend radius and the maximum vertical rise recommended by the cable
manufacturer and must not exceed the maximum allowed pulling tension of the
cable(s).
7.2 Intrabuilding Backbone Copper
7.2.1 Cabling
 The intrabuilding copper backbone cable(s) shall be 100 ohm unshielded,
balanced, twisted-pair, Category 3 riser-rated cable with 24 AWG round
solid conductors. It shall also be armored.
 Copper backbone cabling shall be type CMR (Communications Riser).
 Where used in plenum spaces, copper backbone cabling shall be type CMP
(Communications Plenum).
 The cable shall be UL® tested and listed, and it shall meet or exceed the
requirements of Category 3 cable as specified in TIA/EIA-568-B.1 and all
applicable national and local building fire codes.
 Recommended copper backbone riser cable specifications are as follows:
o Communications Riser: Category 3 Copper Cable ARMM (Alpeth,
Expanded polyethylene polyvinyl chloride, 24 AWG, ALVYN)
o Communications Plenum: Category 3 Copper Cable 24 AWG Plenum
Rated
7.2.2 Terminations
 Intrabuilding backbone copper cabling shall be terminated on 110
termination blocks in the telecommunications riser room. Main
Communication room terminations must be done in accordance with OIT.
17
 Terminations must be in accordance with TIA/EIA-568-B.
 The cable shall be continuous without splices, unless specified differently
by OIT.
 Intrabuilding copper backbone cables must be properly secured to the walls
to prevent horizontal movement as specified in BICSI TDMM Chapter 5
(11th edition or subsequent releases), the NEC, and all applicable national
and local building codes.
7.3 Intrabuilding Backbone Fiber Optic
7.3.1 Cabling
 The intrabuilding optical fiber backbone cable(s) shall be a hybrid
(singlemode/multi-mode) cable consisting of 8.3/125 μm singlemode and
62.5/125 μm multi-mode optical fiber consisting of a minimum of 12
strands of singlemode and 12 strands of multi-mode.
 All backbone fiber optic cabling must use Corning glass (SMF-28e for
singlemode and Infinicor CL-1000 for multi-mode fiber).
 Optical fiber riser shall be type OFNR (optical fiber non-conductive riser).
 Where used in plenum spaces, optical fiber shall be type OFNP (optical
fiber non-conductive plenum).
 Singlemode cable jackets shall be yellow in color, while multi-mode and
hybrid cable jackets shall be orange in color.
 Optical fiber cables shall meet or exceed all applicable national and local
building fire codes.
 Recommended optical fiber backbone riser cable specifications are as
follows:
o Fiber Riser Cable: Corning (part number 024XW7-CK539D20)
o Fiber Riser Cable Plenum Rated: Corning (part number: 024XWPCK540D20)
7.3.2 Terminations
 The intrabuilding optical fiber backbone cable(s) shall be installed with a
service loop of 25 feet at each end.
18
 Intrabuilding fiber backbone cables must be properly secured to the walls
to prevent movement as specified in BICSI TDMM Chapter 5 (11th edition
or subsequent releases), the NEC, and all applicable national and local
building codes.
 Velcro cable ties shall be used for securing fiber optic cable; plastic cable
ties are not permitted.
 All fiber optic cables are to be continuous without splicing, unless specified
differently by OIT.
 Fiber optic terminations are to be field-connectorized using ST 3M hotmelt
connectors. Splicing of pigtails is not allowed.
 The singlemode strands of each intrabuilding backbone fiber optic cable
shall be placed first in the fiber optic cabinet, followed by the multi-mode
strands of the corresponding cable.
 Fiber optic cabinets shall be labeled according to OIT labeling scheme.
Contact OIT for the correct designation.
7.3.3 Fiber-Optic Enclosures
 Fiber-optic rack-mounted enclosures shall consist of an EIA-approved 19inch enclosure (with optional extensions to fit in a 23-inch rack) that is four
rack units tall (7 inches) with a minimum of 72 duplex port capacity.
 Individual fiber couplers must be removable from the panel.
 Individual couplers must be replaceable without causing interruption of
service to adjacent fiber strands.
 Dust covers must be provided for any unused couplers in each enclosure.
 The enclosure shall be black.
 Specify Panduit product FRME-enhanced series or prior OIT-approved
substitute.
7.4 Intrabuilding Backbone Pathways

Intrabuilding backbone cabling shall be distributed using a series of conduits, cable
trays, sleeves, and slots. Refer to section 5.3 (“Communications Rooms”) and
section 9 (“Raceway/Tray Systems”) of this document for information on
pathways.
19

All conduits, cable trays, sleeves, and slots shall conform to TIA-569-B, BICSI
TDMM Chapter 5 (11th edition or subsequent releases), the NEC, and all applicable
national and local building codes.

The cable must be properly supported as defined by the cable manufacturer’s
specifications and shall conform to TIA/EIA-568, the NEC, and all applicable
national and local building codes.
8 Communications/Terminal Room Termination Requirements
All new construction shall use Category 6 patch panels for data, and Category 6 rated 110
punch blocks for telephone. Category 5E installations shall terminate both voice and data on
110 style punch blocks. (See Figure A.)
Figure A: Typical Backboard Layout
8.1 Wall Termination of Copper Wiring

Provide 110 IDC systems mounted to the 4-foot by 8-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick
unpainted, fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard that is mounted
with the smooth side out.
20

Install terminal blocks so that they are vertically plumb and securely fastened to the
plywood backboards. Install the top jumper trough 2 feet down from the top of the
plywood.

Install a 12-inch wire basket-style tray at the top of the plywood for the length of
the termination field. Install a 12-inch wire basket-style tray 8 inches below the
bottom of the lowest jumper trough. (Refer to Figure A.) This tray must be bonded
and attached to the ground buss, and it must meet all of the requirements of J-STD607 Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements, NEC Article 800
and Article 250, and Chapter 8 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent
releases). Refer to Section 6 of this appendix for Bonding and Grounding
Requirements.

Install cables without violating the minimum bend radius as specified by the cable
manufacturer. Route station cables in brackets, troughs, and wire ways that are
specifically designed for Cat 5E/Cat 6 applications. Fasten cables securely with
Velcro style tie wraps to prevent strain at the terminations.

Recommended wall-mounted copper connectivity specifications are as follows:
o Cat 5E
 Panduit 5E 110 Connecting Block P110B100-X
 Panduit Jumper Trough w/o legs P110JT-X
 Seltek 110 Cable Guide (backchannel) CG300
o Cat 6
 Panduit Giga-punch 110 Connecting Block GPB144-X
 Panduit Jumper Trough w/o legs P110JT-X
 Seltek 110 Cable Guide (backchannel) CG300
8.2 Equipment Racks

Allow for a minimum of two equipment racks per room.

Equipment racks shall be of steel construction that are self-supported and floormounted.

Securely mount the racks to the floor using expansion anchors.

Equipment racks must have cable management with vertical channels and must
have pass-through holes and slots for additional cable management accessories.

Wire management must accept removable, hinged doors.

Racks must include movable, plastic D rings for flexible cable management.
21

The racks shall be a Panduit NetFrame Rack System or prior OIT-approved
substitute.

Provide a horizontal 12-inch wire basket-style tray that is mounted above all
equipment racks. The tray must be properly bonded and grounded.

All equipment racks shall be grounded to the ground buss and meet all of the
requirements of J-STD-607 Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding
Requirements, NEC Article 800 and Article 250, and Chapter 8 of the BICSI
TDMM (11th edition or subsequent releases).

Equipment racks must meet all EIA requirements as defined in EIA-310-D.
8.3 Patch Panels

Category 5E/Category 6 patch panels shall consist of EIA-approved 19-inch patch
panels with optional extensions to fit a 23-inch rack.

Panels must accommodate 24 jacks per 1 3/4 inch rack unit.

Each eight-pin modular jack must provide proper strain relief by encompassing the
insulation of the cable within the back of the jack.

Each eight-pin modular jack must be removable from the panel.

Individual jacks must be replaceable without causing any interruption of service to
any other jack.

Panels shall be UL 1863 listed and black in color.

A labeling area shall be installed on the front for jack identification.

Patch panels shall be a Panduit product CPP series or prior OIT-approved
substitute.
8.4 Horizontal Management

Design to support Category 5E/Category 6 cables without compressing or kinking
the cables.

Horizontal cable management panels must be included on the racks and shall have
an EIA-compliant 19-inch wiring management duct that is one rack space tall (with
optional extensions to fit a 23-inch-wide rack).

A wire management panel must be placed above the first patch panel, every third
rack unit thereafter, and below the last patch panel.
22

The wire management panel shall have a 1-1/2 inch by 2-inch front wire
management duct, and a 1-inch by 4-inch rear wire management duct.

Covers for each duct shall be removable/hinged.

The entire panel shall be black.

Specify Panduit product code number NCMH2 or prior OIT-approved substitute.

Consult with OIT in regards to the needs and design of vertical wire management
ducts.
9 Raceway/Tray Systems
The general requirements for raceway/tray systems are as follows:
 The systems shall be designed for no more than 40% fill.
 The systems must be metallic and continuous, and all separate pieces must be bonded
where they are joined.
 The systems must be grounded to the building grounding system with a minimum 6 AWG
copper conductor. Refer to Section 6 for specific Bonding and Grounding requirements.
 Use insulated metallic bushings for attached metallic conduits. Ground and bond the
conduits to the tray (Figure B).
 The tray shall be ladder or wire basket style.
 The ladder-style tray shall have a rail on each side, and the rungs shall be enclosed and
welded into place.
 The wire basket-style tray shall be U shaped and constructed of round wire mesh. The
basket tray shall be installed trapeze-style or wall-mounted. It must not be center hung.
 End-of-tray cable waterfalls must be used where wire drops down to prevent abrasions and
cuts from metal tray edges.
 The tray must be no closer than 6 inches from the structural ceiling, ducts, pipes, or any
other possible obstructions. A minimum separation of 5 inches from lighting, especially
fluorescent lighting, is required.
 The tray must maintain 18 inch clearance from sprinkler heads.
 The complete cable tray system must meet OIT approval.
23
 Compliance to this standard requires that the end of rigid or flex conduit must:
o
o
o
o
o
Have a bushing
Lie within the side and end planes of the cable tray
Lie within the tolerated distance as illustrated (Figure B)
Be anchored to a rigid support
Be grounded and bonded to the cable tray with a minimum 14 AWG
copper conductor. Refer to Section 6 of this appendix for Bonding and
Grounding Requirements.
Figure B: Conduit to Cable Tray Configurations.
The image on the left depicts a vertical conduit configuration. The image
on the right depicts a horizontal conduit configuration.
24
9.1 J-Hooks
The use of J Hooks to support horizontal wiring in lieu of continuous conduit or a
combination of conduit and wire basket tray is currently under study by OIT. At this
time OIT cannot document any advantages using J Hooks other than for economic
reasons. Numerous questions and concerns have arisen regarding the affects of EMI
(Electromagnetic Interference) on high speed data transmissions when J Hooks are used
to suspend horizontal wiring systems. Compatibility concerns including bend radius
control, loading limitations and EMI susceptibility between cable manufacturers and J
Hook manufacturers have not been adequately addressed given the large number of
products and the various combinations that can be used.
When J Hooks are to be installed as a substitution for continuous conduit or a
combination of conduit and wire basket tray it is the responsibility of the Architect,
Electrical Engineer, Owners Representative, Professional Voice and Data Consultant or
other requesting party to provide documentation from both the cable manufacturer and
the J Hook manufacturer stating that their wire and J Hooks are compatible and will
address bend radius control, loading limitations and EMI rejection. A plan showing the
placement of each J Hook including load capacity and bend radius control must also be
provided to OIT. OIT must review the documentation and approve of the J Hook System
or OIT will not bear the responsibility of insuring the voice and data systems and
services perform to the required data and voice transmission speeds.
10 Horizontal Wiring Facilities
 PROHIBITED: Daisy chaining of conduit.
 PROHIBITED: Splitting copper pairs between jacks. TIA/EIA-568-B-1 states that
"Each 4-pair cable shall be terminated in an eight-position modular jack at the work
area."
 PROHIBITED: Sharing the outlet and conduit pathway.
 PROHIBITED: Using traditional nylon synch-style tie wraps to bundle cables. Only
Velcro-style tie wraps are acceptable.
 Telecommunications outlets shall be wired with unshielded, twisted pair 24 AWG wire
(UTP) with suitable insulation and sheath material to meet or exceed TIA/EIA-568-B.2
or equivalent. The wire shall be type communications riser cable (CMR) or
communications plenum cable (CMP) (UL) with rating dependent on NEC Section 80015, and OIT approved.
 When pulling cable in “Patient Care” areas, it is critical that care is taken to control dust,
odors, noise, and aisle clearances. In addition, strict adherence should be given to patient
confidentiality policies.
25
 The current position of OIT on horizontal cabling is to recommend the installation
of Category 5E cable. Because of the variety of infrastructure on campus, OIT cannot
guarantee performance without an upgrade of the infrastructure to support higher
bandwidth requirements of new technology. For example, installing Category 6 cabling
does not guarantee performance at increased bandwidths without an upgrade of the
installed infrastructure/backbone system.
 Any cable lubricant to be used during cable installation must meet both performance and
compatibility standards for the cable as specified by the manufacturer.
 If a building initially is wired with Category 6 cabling, any subsequent wiring shall be
done exclusively with Category 6 cable. Deviation of wiring levels when the original is
installed with Category 6 is not recommended unless OIT pre-approves in advance in
writing. Any movement, additions, or changes after the initial installation shall require
Category 6 cable to be used. One manufacturer's brand shall be used for each component
type throughout a building if the Category 6 wiring system requires the same vendor
products in order to retain Category 6 performance standards and successful testing.
10.1 Outlets
 Telecommunication outlets shall be 4-inch by 4-inch by 2-1/2 inch boxes with a
minimum 1-inch Inside Diameter continuous metallic conduit provided to the
nearest terminal or ceiling raceway system. Refer to Section 9 for raceway/tray
system requirements.
 Standard telecommunications outlets shall be installed at a minimum of 15 inches
above a finished floor and at the same height as the electrical outlets as specified in
the Construction Standards Institute (CSI) Division 16. Standard
telecommunications outlets for wall phones shall be 48 inches above a finished
floor. All measurements are from the floor to the center of the outlet.
 Floor-mounted outlets used for modular furniture shall be a Walker RCI RC3 flush
poke-through unit, with Panduit 2 position adapter CRC3A2BL-X or dual Avaya
(AT&T) 2A-U2ATT or prior OIT-approved substitute.
 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that phone outlets be
accessible at 48 inches to the highest operable mechanism for forward reach and 54
inches to the highest operable mechanism for side reach.
 All other outlet facilities specifications for people with disabilities shall be
compliant with CABO/ANSI A117.1 standards.
 Telecommunications outlets shall not be placed in a back-to-back location, but
shall be separated by a minimum of 12 inches. Telecommunications outlets in firerated walls shall be separated by 24 inches.
26
 UBC Chapter 43 states that openings in fire-resistive walls for steel outlet boxes
not exceeding 16 square inches in area cannot aggregate more than 100 square
inches for any 100 square feet of wall or partition. Totals must include electrical
switches or outlets, or any other openings when totaling 100 square inches.
Inspectors have accepted a UL Rated Fiberglass box as a substitute for a steel box.
It must be appropriately fire-stopped.
 Telecommunications outlet boxes shall be used solely for low-voltage wiring for
telecommunications.
 All wall outlet boxes shall be equipped with two-gang cover plates. Only the
following outlets shall be equipped with a one-gang cover plate:
o Outlets designated for wall telephones
o Outlets designated for pay telephones
 Two collocated 4-inch by 4-inch by 2-1/2-inch boxes shall be provided with
terminations. Distribution of fiber/copper between the two boxes shall be in
consultation with OIT. The boxes shall be adjacent, but separated by a minimum of
12 inches.
 Cat 5
A minimum of 12 inches of slack for Cat 5E copper and 1 meter of fiber shall be
left in each outlet.
 Cat 6
12 inches of slack for each outlet is required. However, the slack cannot remain in
the box behind the outlet. The slack must be loosely coiled and remain in the cable
tray. For homerun conduits, the slack must remain in the communications/terminal
rooms.
 The number of wires or fiber strands installed to each communication outlet shall
be determined in consultation with OIT. OIT recommends a minimum of four
Category 5E cables at each copper outlet: two for voice and two for data.
10.2 Horizontal Conduit
 Each conduit shall be installed in a home-run configuration from the outlet to the
cable tray or telecommunications room.
 Conduits shall be placed in the straightest run possible with no more than the
equivalent of two 90 bends per run.
 Conduit sizes shall be adequate for the cable needed to serve voice and data
instruments. The minimum size for conduit is 1 inch. 1 ¼ inch conduit is
recommended if Cat 6 or Cat 6A is to be installed.
27
 For information on conduit sizing and routing, refer to Chapter 5 of BICSI TDMM
(11th edition or subsequent releases).
10.3 Horizontal Wiring
10.3.1 Horizontal Copper Wire
 Category 3 and Category 5 wiring is no longer recommended for
installation.
 Recommended copper wiring specifications are as follows:
o Blue Cat5E plenum
 Avaya product code 106946825
 Berktech product code 230645
 General product code 6131433
 Mohawk product code M56168
o Blue Cat5E PVC
 Avaya product code 107251636
 Berktech product code 530529
 General product code 6133403
 Mohawk product code M56167
o Green Cat6 plenum
 Berktech product code 230722
 General product code 7131649
 Mohawk product code M57197
o Green Cat6 PVC
 Berktech product code 530661
 General product code 7133512
 Mohawk product code M57206
Note: Avaya copper cable shall only be used for projects that have Avaya
jacks and connectors. Avaya does not warranty the installation unless the
company has manufactured all of the components.
 All copper wiring and connectors must conform to the following
specifications:
o Category 5E: TIA/EIA-568-B-2
o Category 6: TIA/EIA-568-B-2, TSB-36, TSB-40A, NEMA 100-24
XF, UL Level IV
28
 Wire shall meet or exceed TIA/EIA-568-B-2 Category 5E and NEMA
low-loss extended frequency requirements.
 The amount of slack in the terminal room from the jack location shall be
decided in consultation with OIT.
 Each cable in the terminal room from the jack shall be tagged with the
current designation from the current architectural drawings.
 Station cabling shall be terminated to the standards and specifications
required for that particular category of cable.
 Station cables shall be terminated in order according to jack number
wherever and whenever possible. Refer to Section 12 for more
information on the outlet-labeling scheme.
 Wire each jack configuration designation according to TIA-EIA-568-B
(Designation T568B).
 All copper and fiber cable must be continuously supported by conduit or
cable tray.
 All Category 5E and Category 6 installations must also conform to the
component configurations and installation practices contained in
TIA/EIA-568-B.
 Fiber optic cables shall comply with TIA/EIA-568-B and performance
measurements of TIA/EIA-455, Section 46, 53, or 61.
10.3.2 Horizontal Fiber Optic Wire
 Fiber optics shall be 62.5 mm and 125 um to meet or exceed
ANSI/TIA/EIA-492 AAAA. Each strand of fiber must be housed in its
own buffer tube throughout the length of the fiber cable. Each cable in the
terminal room from the jack shall be tagged with the current designation
from the current architectural drawings. Consult with OIT to determine the
amount of slack in the terminal room from the location of the jack.
 Recommended fiber specifications are as follows:
o Multi-mode plenum
 BerkTek product number ICP002CB3510/55
 General product number CT0021PNU
 Mohawk/CDT product number M9B043
o Multi-mode PVC
29
 BerkTek product number ICR002CB3510/55
 General product number CT0021PNR
 Mohawk/CDT product number M9B037
o Singlemode plenum
 BerkTek product number ICP0X0AB0707
 General product number AP0021PNR
 Mohawk/CDT product number M93043
 Siecor product number 002R88-31131-29
o Singlemode PVC
 BerkTek product number ICR0X0AB0707
 General product number AP0021PNU
 Mohawk/CDT product number M93037
 Siecor product number 002R81-31131-24
Note: Due to technological advances and changes in vendors' part
numbers, please refer to the online version of these standards
(http://www1.umn.edu/nts/wiring3.shtml) for updated part numbers.
10.3.3 Small Form/Modular Style Fiber Standards
 All small form, multi-mode, modular style, duplex fiber connectors must
meet or exceed TIA/EIA 455 and ISO/IEC 874-1 performance
specifications.
 All small form singlemode, modular style, duplex fiber connectors must
meet or exceed TIA/EIA 455, ISO/IEC 874-1, and Bellcore 326-CORE
performance specifications.
 The manufacturer shall have a TIA/EIA Fiber Optic Connector
Intermateability Standard (FOCIS) document. This is a component
standard written for manufacturers to follow to ensure that their
connectors will be intermateable with other connectors of the same type.
 Each small form fiber connector must contain two strands of fiber that
meet or exceed the singlemode or multi-mode performance standards
specified in this appendix.
 Each fiber shall be housed in its own separate ferrule within the jack.
 The jack must have separate alignment sleeves for each ferrule.
 The small form fiber jack shall fit into the same manufacturer's flush
faceplate that accommodates its copper jacks so that any combination of
30
two, four, or six outlets of copper or fiber cables may be used at any
location.
 Small form factor plugs/jacks shall accommodate either singlemode or
multi-mode fiber strands.
 Both singlemode and multi-mode jack and plugs shall be able to be field
terminated.
 High-density fiber jack multi-mode Panduit product number FJJGM5CEI
(Electrical Ivory), Avaya product number P1001A-Z-125 shall be used (or
a prior OIT-approved substitute).
 High-density fiber jack singlemode Panduit product number FJJGS9CBU,
Avaya product number P1101A-Z-125 shall be used (or a prior OITapproved substitute).
10.4 Jacks
 Jacks shall be mounted in Panduit product number CF1064EI, Avaya product
number M106FR4-246, mounting frame (Ivory), or prior OIT-approved substitute.
 The jack cover plate shall be 302 stainless steel or other OIT-approved cover or
housing.
 Each copper outlet shall contain the following jacks:
Voice jacks
o Category 5E
 Panduit product code number CJ5E88TIG (gray)
 Avaya product code number MPS100E-270 (gray) or prior OITapproved substitute
o Category 6
 Panduit product code number CJ688T3IG (gray) or prior OITapproved substitute
Data jacks
o Category 5E
 Panduit product code number CJ5E88TBOR (orange)
 Avaya product code number MPS100E-112 (orange) or prior OITapproved substitute
o Category 6:
 Panduit product code number CJ688T3OR (orange) or prior OITapproved substitute
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11 Testing
11.1 Category 5E Wiring
 Every cabling link in the installation shall be tested in accordance with TIA/EIA568-B.1.
 All of the installed cables must be tested and must pass the specifications of
TIA/EIA-568-B.1.
 The horizontal cabling shall be tested from the communications rooms/terminal
spaces to the wall outlet using the Permanent Link specification of TIA/EIA-568B.1.
 Any cable that fails shall be re-terminated and tested again. If the cable does not
meet specifications after being terminated, replace the cable, terminate, and test
again.
 The test equipment shall comply with or exceed the accuracy requirements for
enhanced Level II (Level II-E) field testers (as defined in TIA/EIA-568-B, Annex
1, Section 1.4).
 The pass or fail condition for the link being tested is determined by the results of
the required individual tests. Any fail or fail* result yields failure for the link being
tested.
 The test results for each link shall be recorded in the memory of the field tester
upon completion of the test.
 The test results saved by the tester shall be transferred to a CD-ROM. A guarantee
must be made that the results of the measurement shall be transferred to the CDROM unaltered—that is, as saved by the tester at the end of each test. The
guarantee must also specify that the results cannot be modified at a later time.
 The test results for the completed job shall be stored and delivered to OIT on a CDROM, along with the software tools required to view, inspect, and print any
selection of test reports.
 A paper copy of the test results shall be provided to OIT in a three-ring binder.
11.2 Category 6 Wiring
 Every Category 6 cable in the installation shall be tested in accordance with the
field test specifications defined in the most recent draft of the "Transmission
Performance Specifications for 4-pair 100 Category 6 Cabling" (under
development by the TIA). At the time of publication of the 2002 Standards and
Procedures for Construction, PN 3727 TIA/EIA Draft Standard - Draft 11B
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represents the most recent version. Within these standards, this specification shall
be referred to as the TIA Cat 6 Draft Standard.
 All of the installed cables must be tested and must pass the specifications of
TIA/EIA-568-B.
 The horizontal cabling shall be tested from the communications rooms/terminal
spaces to the wall outlet using the Permanent Link specification in the TIA Cat 6
Standard.
 Any cable that fails shall be terminated and tested again. If the cable does not meet
specifications after being terminated, replace the cable, terminate, and test again.
 The test equipment shall comply with or exceed the accuracy requirements for the
proposed Level III field testers as defined in the Cat 6 Standard.
 The pass or fail condition for the link being tested is determined by the results of
the required individual tests. Any fail or fail* result yields failure for the link being
tested.
 The test results for each link shall be recorded in the memory of the field tester
upon completion of the test.
 The test results saved by the tester shall be transferred to a CD-ROM. A guarantee
must be made that the measurement results are transferred to the CD-ROM
unaltered—that is, as saved by the tester at the end of each test. The guarantee
must also specify that the results cannot be modified at a later time.
 The test results for the completed job shall be stored and delivered to OIT on a CDROM, along with the software tools required to view, inspect, and print any
selection of test reports.
 A paper copy of the test results shall be provided to OIT in a three-ring binder.
11.3 Fiber Optic Cable to Outlet
 Every fiber optic cable in the installation shall be tested in accordance with field
test specifications as defined in TIA/EIA-568-B.
 All of the installed fiber optic cables must be tested and must pass the
specifications of TIA/EIA-568-B.
 Any cable that fails these tests must be diagnosed and corrected. The corrective
action shall be followed with a new test to prove that the corrected link meets the
performance requirements. The final and passing test must be saved and included
in the final test results documentation.
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 Field test instruments for multi-mode fiber cabling shall meet the requirements of
TIA-526-14A. The light source shall meet the launch requirements of TIA/EIA455-50B, Method A.
 Field test instruments for singlemode fiber cabling shall meet the requirements of
TIA-526-7.
 The test results for each link shall be recorded in the memory of the field tester
upon completion of the test.
 The test results saved by the tester shall be transferred to a CD-ROM. A guarantee
must be made that the measurement results are transferred to the CD-ROM
unaltered—that is, as saved by the tester at the end of each test. The guarantee
must also specify that these results cannot be modified at a later time.
 The test results for the completed job shall be stored and delivered to OIT on a CDROM, along with the software tools required to view, inspect, and print any
selection of test reports.
 A paper copy of the test results shall be provided to OIT in a three-ring binder.
11.4 Intrabuilding Backbone Cable Testing
 Every installed intrabuilding backbone cable shall be tested in accordance with
TIA/EIA-568-B.1 (for copper); TIA/EIA-526-7, TIA/EIA-526-14A and TIA/EIA568-B.3 (for fiber); and with BICSI TDMM Chapter 11 (11th edition or subsequent
releases).
 All of the installed intrabuilding backbone cables must be tested and must pass the
specifications of TIA/EIA-568-B.1 (for copper); TIA/EIA-526-7, TIA/EIA-52614A and TIA/EIA-568-B.3 (for fiber).
 Any cable that fails shall be re-terminated and tested again.
 The test equipment shall comply with or exceed the accuracy requirements for
enhanced Level III field testers.
 The pass or fail condition for the cable being tested is determined by the results of
the required individual tests. Any fail or fail* result yields failure for the cable
being tested.
 The test results for each cable shall be recorded in the memory of the tester upon
completion of the test.
 The test results saved by the tester shall be transferred to a CD-ROM. A guarantee
must be made that the results of the measurement shall be transferred to the CD34
ROM unaltered – that is, as saved by the tester at the end of each test. The
guarantee must also specify that the results cannot be modified at a later time.
 The test results for the completed job shall be stored and delivered to OIT on a CDROM along with the software tools required to view, inspect and print out any
selection of the test reports.
 A paper copy of the test results shall be provided to OIT in a three-ring binder.
 Test Results
 Provide complete CAD As-Built floor plans in AutoCAD 2000 that contain at least
the following information:
o Architectural floor plans with finalized room names and numbers
o Location and identification of all voice, data, and fiber optic outlets
o A legend on the plans to readily identify the voice, data, and fiber optic
cables (cable routing)
o Conduit sizes and routing for all cables installed in conduit
o Cable tray routing and locations
o Bonding and grounding locations
o Large-scale blowup of all communications/terminal rooms that
indicates elevation views and plan views of, including but not limited
to, all termination blocks, equipment racks, patch panels, and fiber
optic enclosures
o Terminal backboard layout with labeling and pair identification
 Provide one project manual that is assembled in loose-leaf binders and contain the
following:
o As-Built AutoCAD prints (as listed above)
o A CD-ROM copy of all copper and fiber optic test results, along with
the software tools required to view, inspect, and print any selection of
the test reports
o Warranty information and any vendor certification of the installed
infrastructure
12 OIT Outlet Labeling Scheme
 Each jack location in an outlet facility shall be labeled in accordance with OIT jacklabeling practices. The labeling follows a standard format, indicating the room followed
by the location within the room.
For example, if the jack-labeling were 00100-AA:
o 00100 denotes the room number in which the jack is installed.
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Hence each jack within Room 100 shall have this prefix.
o AA denotes in sequence the count of the jack installed (that is, AA for
the first jack installed, AB for the second jack installed and so on).
Hence, the second jack installed (possibly within the same outlet box in
Room 100 would be labeled as 00100-AB.
The general requirements for outlet facilities include the following:
 The prefix field is always 5 digits.
 Rooms within a larger room may be designated as Room 100A, and their jacks may thus
be labeled as 0100A-AA.
 For larger rooms, it may be necessary to continue the labeling sequence beyond AZ so
that the next installed jack would be labeled BA, BB and so on, and if necessary,
continued throughout the alphabet (CA, CB and so on).
 The official U of M Facilities management (FM) room numbers shall be used to
determine the labeling. For this reason, room numbers shall not change due to the
extensive labor involved in re-labeling each jack location and changing it in its associated
database.
The labeling information that OIT installs upon the voice and data jacks are used within
the OIT database and forwarded to the police for location information to the response of
emergency 911 staff (police, fire, etc.). Therefore it is imperative that this information be
kept current. If the room numbers are to be changed during the course of the project,
charges will be incurred to pick up this additional labor and to process the order so as to
retain accuracy for the Life/Safety 911 database. Please contact your OIT liaison to
coordinate these efforts.
 Jacks must be neatly labeled with a printed self-adhesive label that OIT has approved in
advance. The labels must be typed/printed, and are not to be drawn by hand.
 As-Built drawings that show jack numbers and locations shall be submitted to OIT upon
completion of the project/building.
13 Private Local Area Networks
Private Local Area Networks (LAN) are independent data networks that are operated by an
individual university department (other than OIT) for its own specific data needs.
 OIT shall provide a connection to the university Wide Area Network at the LAN
administrator's request, which OIT has installed and will continue to maintain.
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 Horizontal and vertical fiber-optic and copper wiring are considered part of the building
infrastructure and are therefore OIT responsibility. Departments that wish to operate their
own private LAN shall include OIT in the planning and design of their network to ensure
compatibility so that OIT is prepared to provide any necessary technical or equipment
support. OIT shall provide access to the horizontal wiring infrastructure within the
private LAN area that the private LAN administrator requests.
 Access shall be provided using a termination block that is capable of providing the level
of service that the private LAN administrator requests. The termination block is
necessary to isolate the private LAN from OIT voice and data equipment.
 All equipment, including racks, cabinets, wire management trays, and electrical
equipment that the private LAN administrator installs shall be installed in accordance
with existing building and electrical codes. Compliance includes all university and state
permits where applicable, which include observance of all working clearances and
equipment grounding requirements.
14 Products Installed that are not Covered by These Standards
 University departments that purchase their own equipment, goods, and services shall
consult with OIT before making such purchases to ensure that OIT is able and prepared
to provide support.
 OIT cannot guarantee that voice and/or data wiring (including all associated termination
hardware, electrical or electronic equipment, installation services, or maintenance
agreements) that deviates from these standards will be interoperable with current or
future network designs.
 Furthermore, deviation from these standards limits the ability of OIT to support said
installation. OIT shall provide its best effort to support, although it should be recognized
that the normal response and resolution metrics of OIT shall not apply.
 OIT is not responsible for assurances of performance, guarantees, or warrantees—implied
or written—that manufacturers or contractors make to non-OIT departments. If possible,
OIT shall provide support to university departments that purchase their own equipment.
OIT shall train department engineers and technicians at the department's expense, as well
as stock additional equipment necessary for adds, moves, or changes; testing; and repair.
Long lead times on non-standard equipment are possible.
15 Definitions of Abbreviations Contained in these Standards
o ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
o ANSI - American National Standards Institute
o AWG - American Wire Gauge
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BICSI - Building Industry Consulting Services International
CABO - Council of American Building Officials
CMP - Communications Plenum Cable
CMR - Communications Riser Cable
CSI - Construction Standards Institute
EIA - Electronic Industry Association
EMI - Electromagnetic Interference
FM - Facilities management
FOCIS - Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard
GE - Grounding Equalizer
IDF - Intermediate Distribution Frame
IEC - International Electromechanical Commission
ISO - International Organization for Standardization
LAN - Local Area Networks
MDF – Main Distribution Frame
NEC - National Electric Code
NECA - National Electrical Contractors Association
NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
OFNP - Optical Fiber Non-conductive Plenum
OFNR - Optical Fiber Non-conductive Riser
OIT - Office of Information Technology (University of Minnesota)
OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PBX - Primary Branch Exchange
RCDD - Registered Communications Distribution Designer
RFI - Radio Frequency Interference
TBB - Telecommunications Bonding Backbone
TGB - Telecommunications Grounding Busbar
TMGB - Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar
TIA - Telecommunications Industry Association
TDMM - Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual
UBC - Uniform Building Code
UFC - Uniform Fire Code
UL - Underwriters Laboratories
UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply
UTP – Unshielded Twisted Pair
(c) 2005 by OIT and the Regents of the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
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